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Try one of these easy DIY Ear Savers patterns to make wearing your face masks much more comfortable! Whip up a whole bunch to give to your friends or donate to essential workers.

If you wear maks with elastic ear loops, you know that they can run the backs of your ears, leading to irritation. Ear Savers, also called “mask extenders” or “mask mates”, help protect the backs of your ears from chafing while wearing face masks.
You can make ear savers in a variety of ways: sewing by hand, with a sewing machine, crochet, and with a Cricut cutting machine. These are my favorite free patterns for ear savers.
Who Needs Ear Savers
Anyone who wears a mask all day can use one. Nurse, retail workers, delivery workers, doctors, teachers (and more!) can use ear savers to make wearing face masks more comfortable.
Side note: Another great way to prevent ear irritation is to avoid elastic ear loops altogether. If you’re able to wear a cloth mask, try my face mask pattern with fabric ties.
How to Wear Ear Savers
Here’s how to wear ear savers. First, put your face mask on your ears like normal. Then, place the ear saver strap across the back of your head (at ear level). One side at a time, pull the elastic ear loop back and slip the elastic over the button to secure it.
If you wear a ponytail or a bun: Put your hair in a low ponytail or bun, and then place the strap of the ear saver above your ponytail to keep it in place.
Here are three easy ways to make your own.
The Best Free Ear Saver Patterns
If you are looking for a DIY solution to sore ears, try one of these easy homemade ear savers. Each guide includes a free pattern that you can download and print.
How to Sew Ear Savers
Learn how to sew fabric Ear Savers to protect sore ears from elastic face masks. Make some for the essential workers or anyone who has to wear masks for extended periods of time.
Crochet Ear Savers
Learn how to crochet ear savers for face masks with this easy step-by-step tutorial. Even beginners will be able to make DIY ear savers in less than 10 minutes. They're perfect for donating to essential workers or anyone who has to wear a face mask for extended periods of time.
Easy Felt Ear Savers
Learn how to make Ear Savers with this easy pattern, some felt, and a couple of buttons. These Ear Savers (also called mask extenders) will help prevent ear soreness that comes from wearing medical face masks with elastic loops.
What’s Next?
Pin this post: Save this tutorial to your Pinterest boards so that you can come back to it later.
Leave a comment: We love to hear your feedback. Tell me in the comments below!
Share on Instagram or Facebook: When you make this project, share it on social media and tag me @sarahmaker_. We love to see what you make!

Sarah Stearns has helped millions of makers find their next craft project with free patterns and step-by-step tutorials on her blog, sarahmaker.com. Read more.
With over a decade of experience in knitting and crochet, she has been featured in prominent publications like The New York Times, Scientific American, Good Housekeeping, Vox, Apartment Therapy, and Lifehacker.
AMY
Wednesday 13th of January 2021
Love these! Already crocheted a stack to donate and take to pass out to my coworkers!
Pleated Face Mask Pattern with Ties or Elastic - Free Printable
Sunday 26th of July 2020
[…] one of these easy DIY Ear Savers patterns to make wearing your face masks much more comfortable! Click for a variety of free […]
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Sunday 26th of July 2020
[…] this Ear Saver cut file isn’t what you were looking for, check out these other ear saver patterns […]
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Saturday 25th of July 2020
[…] know how to crochet? You might be interested in one of these other ear saver patterns […]
Carol Bailey
Thursday 16th of July 2020
I can’t find the pattern.
Sarah
Friday 17th of July 2020
Hi Carol, Click through the links to find the tutorials for each of these patterns. There are download links at the bottom of the posts.